Meanwhile, in Ariel's room…
The tension was subtle. It wasn't suffocating as it should have been, despite the news.
Ariel sat at her dressing table, gently brushing her hair while draped in a soft, fluffy white bathrobe.
On the table, the tablet glowed with the article: The Royal Exposé: Lady Ariel—more than a competitor in the selection, but also the Crown Prince's fling. Is this the thrill of a hidden romance, or a scheme for the Crown?
She glanced briefly at the pictures and snickered.
"Pathetic fools," she scoffed. "Do they think this is going to get rid of me? How completely immature."
Knock. Knock.
A knock rang at the door.
Ariel stopped brushing her hair and turned her attention to the door.
"Yes?" she replied.
"Good morning, Lady Ariel. I have an important message for you. It's from His Majesty, the King. May I come in?" a voice rang from the other side.
Just then, Ariel noticed a shadow lingering by the balcony.
She didn't need to be told—the shadow's presence meant whoever was at the door was trying to set a trap.
How immature.
Everyone knew the King never personally summoned the ladies participating in the selection. They were only summoned through the Queen Dowager or the Queen. Since this was a matter of the inner court, the King was not permitted to directly involve himself.
So it was clear: this was a trap.
Someone must have seen her in the King's study and now wanted to uncover what they were up to—or worse, find another scoop for the scandal to eliminate her from the competition.
She exhaled lightly, nodded at the shadow, dismissing the person, then turned her head back toward the door.
"You can come in," she said, resuming her brushing as if nothing were amiss.
The door opened, and a woman in a black-and-white servant's uniform stepped into the room. She walked toward Ariel, stopped, and curtseyed in greeting.
"Good morning, my Lady."
"Mmm… good morning. What can I do for you? You said you have something important for me?" Ariel replied, continuing to brush her hair while watching the woman through the mirror.
"Yes, my Lady. His Majesty, the King has requested your audience in the inner palace gardens near the north wing. He said he has something important to discuss with you before the bridal selection assembly. He needs to see you posthaste," the woman said.
"Mmm… okay. I will be right there, just after I finish dressing for the day. Thank you for the message," Ariel answered without looking directly at her.
But the woman did not move. She stood frozen, staring at Ariel in silence.
From the mirror, Ariel noticed how nervous she looked—her eyes darting around, her hands clutched tightly together. A clear sign she had been sent to orchestrate a trap. She wasn't hiding it very well.
Ariel sighed inwardly before turning around to face her.
"Is there still anything else you would like to say, Miss?" Ariel asked.
The woman flinched, startled. "Huh?"
Ariel exhaled. "I asked if you have anything else left to say. You've been standing there for a while now after delivering the message. Is everything okay?"
The woman quickly glanced around the room nervously before forcing a smile. "Oh yes! Everything is fine, my Lady. Everything is okay. I was just waiting for you to give me instructions to help you prepare for the day. Not only was I sent with the message, but I was also assigned to assist you in getting ready. Mmm… my Lady." She bowed deeply in reverence.
Ariel studied her intently for a moment before humming. "Mmm… I see." She shifted her gaze back to the table, briefly glancing at the glowing tablet, then returned her eyes to the woman.
"What is your name?" she asked.
The woman's eyes widened in shock at the question, as though she thought she had misheard.
"E… excuse me, my Lady? My name? You want to know my name?"
Ariel nodded. "Yes. I want to know your name, since you've been assigned to help me prepare for the day. So… what is your name?"
The woman swallowed nervously—a clear sign she wasn't comfortable with Ariel knowing it. She wanted to remain anonymous, unknown, so that once her mission was complete, no one could trace the blame back to her.
Ariel narrowed her eyes, studying her appearance from head to toe.
Her hair was styled in a way no palace maid would wear. She had light makeup on her face, something forbidden by palace rules. Even her nails were suspicious—long, polished, and clearly not the hands of a servant.
She was no palace maid. Just a hired actress. And a very poor one.
Ariel shook her head in pity. She was almost tempted to expose her outright, but decided against it. She wanted to know who had the audacity to trick her using the King's name.
There was only one person daring enough—but she refused to jump to conclusions, especially with the scandal. He could be many things, but stooping to such childish schemes was not his style.
Ariel sighed, watching the fake servant struggle to spell out her name. She felt sorry for her—another puppet in the dirty game of royal politics.
"Aaah… how awful," she muttered under her breath, before rising from her chair and walking toward the woman.
"You know…" Ariel said as she stood before the woman, her gaze innocent yet scrutinizing, lips curling into a small smile. "If it's against the palace rules to tell guests your name, you can just say so and stop struggling with the request. It's okay."
The woman looked at Ariel in disbelief. She almost thought Ariel was mocking her—sarcastically pointing out her rudeness and failure to answer. It wasn't against palace rules to share names for communication, but she couldn't reveal hers without risking exposure. Her messenger's scheme depended on anonymity.
Yet Ariel's friendly smile, her innocent understanding look, eased the woman's nerves. Ariel wasn't a member of the royal family, nor a frequent guest of the palace—surely she wasn't fully aware of the rules. Perfect. She could use Ariel's supposed ignorance to escape suspicion and complete her mission swiftly.
She smiled back. "I'm sorry, my Lady, for not telling you my name. It's just… it really isn't allowed for servants to disclose their identity to guests so quickly. And we're normally not permitted to speak freely with anyone. I hope you understand."
Ariel nodded, still smiling, and stepped closer until she was only inches away. "Don't worry, it's okay. No pressure at all. I'm sorry for asking. I truly didn't know it wasn't allowed. But don't worry—I understand."
The woman's face lit up in relief. "Really, Miss? You truly understand?"
Ariel's smile deepened as she placed her hand on the servant's shoulder and leaned in.
"Of course… not."
The woman's smile dropped instantly at Ariel's words.
The woman wanted to ask why, but her tongue felt heavy—she couldn't speak. Her eyes widened as she struggled to breathe, her body frozen in place. She tried to grab Ariel, but her limbs refused to obey.
Ariel only smiled, her hand pressing firmly into a pressure point on the woman's shoulder.
"Don't worry…" she whispered. "Your secret will be safe with me. I won't let anyone know you're fake. Because you're going to do something for me…" Her smile widened.
The woman gasped for breath, her vision blurring until darkness swallowed her.
Ariel's smile deepened as the woman collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
"Stupid," she muttered, before turning her gaze to the clock.
It was almost time.
....
Later…
Gentle chatter echoed through the lavish palace garden, where the noble ladies participating in the bridal selection mingled with one another and with palace servants.
The garden was breathtaking—an elegant array of flowers and lavish décor, with mouthwatering pastries arranged delicately on silver trays.
In the midst of the chatter, laughter rang out from a group of noble ladies gathered near the fountain.
Among them stood Catherine Slovak, dressed in an expensive cream-and-lush-green suit that hugged her voluptuous figure. She wore heavy makeup as usual but this time it masked a mark that marred her beauty.
"I can't believe Lady Ariel had the audacity to show up at the competition," said one of the noblewomen, a golden-haired beauty with blue eyes, a sharp nose, and delicate pink lips. She wore a green formal suit with matching heels, her hands covered in thick white gloves. "She already knew she was the Crown Prince's… entertaining lady. How scandalous and shameless."
"I already told you," Catherine sneered. "That woman is nothing but a cheap vixen. A seductress. She's here to seduce her way to the crown, leaving the rest of us want-not and hopeless. She is malicious. So we'd better be alert around her."
The noble ladies nodded in agreement, their laughter echoing like venom in the air.
"You're right, Lady Catherine. That woman truly is schemingly malicious," said another noble lady in the group. She had straight brown hair, brown eyes, a flat nose, and plump lips. Dressed in a black-and-white suit with white heels, she leaned in and whispered, "I heard from one of the servants that she's actually staying in the palace—not the royal villa."
"What!" everyone exclaimed in disbelief.
"But that's against the rules. What is she doing in the palace? Isn't she afraid of being disqualified?" whispered the last of the four, a ginger-haired woman with wavy locks, brown eyes, a sharp nose, and pink lips. She wore a yellow suit with white heels.
"You think that's all?" continued the lady in black and white. "I heard she's even sleeping in the East Wing—just a few doors away from the Crown Prince's chambers. Can you imagine."
"Ugh! The audacity!"
"So scandalous!"
"So shameless!"
The patronizing whispers echoed among the ladies, their voices dripping with malice.
"This truly isn't fair," said the lady in the green suit.
"You're right, ladies," Catherine agreed. "It really isn't fair. And we have to do something about it. We cannot just fold our hands and do nothing, right?"
The ladies nodded in agreement.
"So what should we do?" asked the lady in yellow. "We have to act."
"Yes," Catherine replied. "And we can start by supporting the royal ministers and officials in demanding her removal from the competition. You ladies are from highly honored royal and noble houses. We can use your families' influence and power to ensure that vixen is ousted for good. Then this competition will finally be fair and square. So—what do you say?"
The noble ladies agreed eagerly.
"Don't worry, Catherine. We will definitely help you. That woman needs to leave, otherwise this competition won't be fair," said the lady in green, and the others echoed her.
Catherine smirked in satisfaction as their agreement fueled her confidence. 'Wow… looks like I didn't need to do much to get rid of you, you cunning bitch. You dug your own grave this time, and I'm going to enjoy burying you in it. Luck is on my side after all. Soon, you'll regret ever crossing me—and I can't wait for that moment.'
Just then—
"Looks like some people never learn to quit, do they?"
A sweet, sultry voice sliced through their scheming conversation like an untimely grenade dropped without warning.
The noble ladies fell silent, turning to see a woman dressed in a golden lush-green suit walking toward them.
She had long, wavy black hair, dark eyes, rosy lips, and a delicate flat nose. A beauty with a meek, delicate appearance—one that could attract men effortlessly.
Catherine's smirk faltered, twisting into a frown.
'Who the hell is this?' she thought.
The other noble ladies shared the same question.
"Excuse me. Who are you? And why are you eavesdropping on us?" Catherine demanded as the woman stopped at a polite distance.
"My apologies for interrupting, my Ladies. I am Lady Monica Dinkley, daughter of the Duke of Fortshire. It's a pleasure to meet you." Monica introduced herself with a graceful curtsey.
The ladies sighed and hummed dismissively, averting their gazes as if she were beneath their notice.
Monica scoffed lightly under her breath. "Okay… arrogant much."
Monica relaxed her stance. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but I couldn't help myself. Because what you're planning is clearly… how should I put it… pointless."
"Haa!" The ladies gasped at the mockery.
"What! How dare you say that!" Catherine fumed, glancing at the other ladies, who now looked uncertain.
'This woman clearly wants to stop my plans of getting rid of that bitch. I'd better deal with her, or things won't end well. I can't let that happen.'
"What do you mean our plans are pointless? Huh? Don't tell me you're that scandalous woman's friend or something?" Catherine pressed.
The other ladies turned skeptical eyes toward Monica—exactly what Catherine wanted.
Monica sighed. "No, I'm not her friend. On the contrary, I don't find her interesting at all. But aren't you afraid, Lady Catherine, that what happened to you last night could happen again—only worse—if your plans fail and blow up in your face? Doesn't that frighten you?"
"Hmph!" Catherine huffed. "Why should I be afraid? That woman dug her own grave by flaunting her… thrilling romantic spree with the Crown Prince at the marketplace. She couldn't wait to show off that she was his so-called 'chosen one.' And now look where it got her—she's going to be disqualified for her audacious actions. So what's wrong with giving it a little push? Shouldn't you be glad we're doing you a favor—ensuring the competition is fair and square? Why are you so defensive of her, huh? Tell us. Why do you think this plan won't work? Enlighten us."
Catherine turned to the other noble ladies and realized the circle had grown—others were now listening, intrigued.
She smirked, eyeing Monica with disdain. 'You'd better have a convincing answer. Otherwise, prepare for your humiliating downfall. You think you can win against me? Tsk… bitch.'
Monica saw Catherine's disdain clearly. She knew Catherine was furious at having her spotlight stolen and desperate to strike back. But too bad—Catherine was the one about to eat the dirt of humiliation.
Smiling slightly, Monica stepped closer. "Well, Lady Catherine. For starters, the royal ministers and officials are acting on impulse, chasing rumors that have no proof. Second—and most importantly—Lady Ariel is the pardon of the Crown. It's already obvious she has the Queen Dowager's support. The Queen Dowager's power and influence rival the King's, perhaps even surpass them, considering Ariel is living in the palace near the Crown Prince without question. So do you truly think she will allow you to get rid of her pardon… just like that?"
She paused, watching Catherine's face turn ashen.
It was clear Catherine hadn't considered that. If Ariel was already the Crown's pardon, then both the Queen Dowager and likely the King knew of her relationship with the Crown Prince—and perhaps even wanted her as Crown Princess. Monica was right. Their schemes were pointless. Even the old ministers would be powerless, no matter how loudly they appealed. Catherine had almost made another mistake. And this time, it could have been disastrous.
'Urrgh! Great! Just great! The bitch is still lucky! I can't believe this! I hate this!' Catherine fumed inwardly.
To make matters worse, Monica's reasoning sent the noble ladies into panic. Those who had agreed with Catherine now looked at her with disdain, questioning why they had sided with her when she was doomed to fail.
Whispers spread—calling her a jinx, a destined failure.
The humiliation Catherine had planned for Monica was now being fed to her. And with her reputation already tarnished from last night, it was worse. The ladies began averting their gazes, snickering behind their hands.
Catherine turned to Monica, who wore a tiny smirk of satisfaction while feigning innocence.
'Bitch! Grrr!' Catherine growled inwardly, ready to stomp away from the spectacle when—
"Her Majesty, the Queen Dowager has arrived!!"
"Her Majesty, the Queen has arrived!!"
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Elizabeth has arrived!!"
The heralds announced as Alicia entered the garden, dressed in a regal green suit with a low-brimmed hat and white gloves covering her hands.
Following behind her was Queen Esmerelda, wearing a cream suit embroidered with golden flowers. She walked with arrogant grace, as though the very ground bowed beneath her steps.
Princess Elizabeth followed closely, dressed in a miniature version of her mother's attire. She looked elegant, radiant.
The noble ladies paused their chatter and quickly formed a row as the Queen Dowager, the Queen, and the Princess ascended to the upper dais.
"Greetings to the mighty Fortress of Flambodia," the ladies curtseyed to the Queen Dowager, who responded with a nod and a warm smile.
"Greetings to the Moon and Pillar of the Kingdom," they curtseyed for the Queen, who merely nodded.
"Greetings to the Garden of Peace that grows and springs forth love and joy for the Kingdom," they finally curtseyed for Princess Elizabeth, who answered with a bright smile.
"May Their Majesties and Her Highness have long life," they concluded in unison.
"Thank you. Thank you all, ladies," Alicia said, gesturing for them to relax their stances.
"Thank you for coming. Welcome to the Bridal Selection Assembly. Today we will discuss the competition and what will take place in the coming days—the rules, the expectations, and the duties during the selection. I hope everyone is present, so that all may understand what lies ahead. Listen attentively, ladies, for this is very important…"
"Haa… but where is Lady Ariel?" a panicked voice rang out from the row, interrupting the Queen Dowager.
Immediately, murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd.
"She is not here?"
"Where is she?"
"Where could she be?"
"How could she miss something this important?"
Esmerelda smirked as the noble ladies fell into a murmuring frenzy. She caught Catherine's bewildered yet knowing glance and smiled brightly, giving her cousin-niece a subtle nod.
Catherine smirked in return and immediately went into action.
"Oh my goodness! Where is Lady Ariel? Isn't she supposed to be here? This is a very important event, and she doesn't show up. Does she think she's suddenly the Crown Princess just because the Prince favors her? Unbelievable."
The murmurs grew louder, the crowd branding Ariel shameless, scheming, and worse.
"And wait…" Catherine continued, fanning the flames. "Isn't this meeting crucial to the selection—and to the Queen Dowager herself? Doesn't Lady Ariel's absence mean… haa… that she is insulting the Crown?"
"Haa!" The ladies gasped in shock, their whispers rising into a storm.
"Lady Ariel has just offended the Crown!" a noblewoman shouted from the crowd.
"She is not worthy of competing with us!"
"She needs to be disqualified!"
"Yes, disqualify her!"
"Disqualify her!"
The word became a chant, echoing through the garden.
Esmerelda smiled, turning her head to watch Alicia's pale face.
'That's right, old hag. This time you're going to be defeated. Don't worry—the fun has only just begun, and I'm going to revel in your downfall.'
"Okay, ladies! Okay, please calm down!" Esmerelda commanded, stepping forward. "Everyone, please calm down. Is this how ladies should behave? Is it?"
The frenzy quieted, and all eyes turned to her.
"Thank you, ladies. Don't worry—I'm sure this issue will be solved calmly and promptly. Lady Ariel must have been caught up in something and is late. I'm certain everything is fine, and she will be here soon… and disciplined accordingly. Right, Your Majesty?" Esmerelda said, turning to Alicia, who glared at her from beneath her low-brimmed hat.
Esmerelda had turned the conversation against her, trapping Alicia into making a decision that would punish Ariel without compromise. Alicia longed to slap the smug grin off her face, but all she could do was fume silently, her glare saying only one thing: 'Sly bitch.'
She inhaled deeply, turning to the ladies who now looked at her eagerly, waiting for an answer.
Alicia sighed and opened her mouth to speak when—
"This is bad! This is bad!"
A servant came running from the direction of the palace.
Everyone turned to face the servant.
Esmerelda smirked as she approached, feigning concern. "What's going on? What's with all the commotion?"
The crowd pressed closer, eager to hear the news.
The servant curtseyed to the Queen, then to the Queen Dowager. "Your Majesties, I beg forgiveness for my uncouth behavior. But I bring… urgent news." She paused, catching her breath, exchanging a brief look with the Queen.
Alicia noticed the exchange instantly. It was a ploy. A calculated scheme and she didn't like it. Not one bit.
Alicia rolled her eyes sighing inwardly before stepping closer. "What happened?" she asked.
The servant dropped to her knees. "Your Majesty, I am sorry… but it's about Lady Ariel." She paused deliberately, letting the noble ladies murmur in anticipation.
"What about her? Where is she? Tell us!" Esmerelda demanded.
"She… she…" the servant stammered. "She was caught in the palace inner gardens… making out… with....with the Crown Prince."
"Haa!" Loud gasps echoed from the ladies.
Esmerelda smirked slightly. This was the exact reaction she wanted. She feigned shock along with the others before pressing, "What! Are you sure?"
The servant nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. The King and several court officials and ministers have already been informed. They are on their way there as we speak."
The garden erupted in murmurs of shock and disdain.
Alicia's heart pounded rapidly.
This was bad.